use a turmeric or curcumin
based color in a canned drink.
However, if the product was
packed in a clear bottle, turmeric would not be suitable
due to its poor light stability.
Figure 1 summarizes the
many factors that can affect
the color of a beverage product
and must be considered when
selecting suitable colors.
Anthocyanin colors work
well in some low pH red
beverage applications, but are
not suitable for applications
at neutral pH. For beverages
with a low pH anthocyanins
derived from grapes can give
a clear violet-red color. For
very bright red colors, elderberry concentrates are preferred. For applications such
as a strawberry milkshake,
it may be possible to use a
beetroot red color which is
stable at neutral pH. Beetroot
red however only has limited
stability to heat so if a UHT
process is required a lycopene
or carmine color may work
better. Many of the carotenoid
colorings such as beta-carotene
and paprika are suitable for replacing the yellow and orange
Southampton six colors, with
beta-carotene generally be-
THE SUPPLIER VIEW: Color Formulation (Lionel Lesegretain, Naturex)
Source: Innova Market Insights
Lionel Lesegretain,
Naturex
Which trends are driving development in the colors sector
and where do you see opportunities as a supplier for new
and innovative applications?
The beverage, confectionery and dairy sectors are very dynamic at
the moment in terms of product development. Consumers are still
driving the demand for products that are colored naturally. This is
mainly due to the media and certain studies, like the Southampton
study, which focused on the negative impact of artificial colors on
children’s behavior. For example, red hues are extremely popular, due
to their attractive color and vibrancy, particularly in food targeted
at children (confectionery, sweet drinks etc.). Azo colorants could
easily be replaced by carmine. But we have also noticed a growth in
demand for carmine substitutes. Thanks to our expertise and color
know-how, especially in stability, we are able to offer an array of
alternative color solutions, in the form of anthocyanins.
ing used for yellow and light
orange colors and paprika for
deeper orange shades. However, as these are not water
soluble, it makes them more
difficult to disperse and use
in beverages. Color suppliers
do supply emulsions of these
colors that are suitable for beverages. For example Overseal
Natural Ingredients supplies
a soluble range of these pigments (Em-Seal range), which
have good dispersibility. If a
completely clear orange drink
is required Overseal offers
Clear-col micro-emulsions,
which have oil droplet sizes of
around 0.1μm. Chr. Hansen
also offers natural colors in its
Cap Colors range which have
improved stability to light and
oxidation and include water
Artificial and natural colors have different properties and therefore different technical challenges.
The issue of stability is a technical challenge that can sometimes become tricky in terms of various
applications. Our dedicated global color laboratories are able to provide tailor made and innovative solutions in every case. Another big trend in Europe is the growing demand for ingredients
with coloring properties instead of coloring additives, whether these additives are natural or not.
In order to answer this need, Naturex has developed a range of coloring foodstuffs that complies
with “clean label” criteria: no extraction solvents, no formulation additives or preservatives thanks
to our investment in an aseptic packaging line. Our range covers the complete colors spectrum and
includes a wide choice of fruit, vegetables, flower and algae concentrates.
What is in your development pipeline and what can you say about this new technology?
At Naturex we strongly invest in our R&D and color facilities, so that we are able to push the
boundaries and bring more innovative solutions to the market:
• We have R&D and color application laboratories in 5 continents, allowing us to give a customized
service to local needs and to be reactive.
• We have recently launched a new range called “Instant Powders”; this unique line of colors offers
outstanding solubility properties, specifically targeted at the instant drinks market.
• We have just completed the implementation of a new aseptic packaging line allowing us to offer
a preservative-free colors range while maintaining the stability and shelf-life of the products.
• We are continually researching new pigment sources, with a special focus on anthocyanins: several
fruit and flowers are being studied for their hue properties and their response to pH.
• We are putting a great deal of emphasis on technologies and methods to develop the stability
and the shelf life of our formulations. We have developed a line of color emulsions for beverages.
The European Commission is becoming stricter about the use of Sunset Yellow and the
UK food industry in particular has been reducing the use of azo food dyes significantly.
Is there still future potential for artificial colors in the EU?
At Naturex, we focus on products which are sourced from nature. Therefore, we do not see any
future for artificial colors within Europe as well as in other parts of the world. There is a global trend
to develop and offer products that are sourced naturally, this includes colors. Naturex has been
developing and optimizing its techniques and technologies, for over 20 years to build a strong and
advanced expertise in natural colors.
30
THE WORLD OF FOOD INGREDIENTS
FSA colors.indd 30
Tiger Tiger Indian Style Tandoori
Marinade (UK) is colored with
paprika extract and anthocyanin.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011
17-10-2011 12:23:35